After manhole accidents, state will inspect all covers in Mass. highway system

Tuesday

Jul 31, 2007 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2007 at 2:56 PM

Work crews will inspect every storm grate and manhole cover on state highways, state transportation officials said Tuesday, following a series of incidents over a four-day period beginning last Friday involving loose grates and manhole covers.

By Peter Reuell

Work crews will inspect every storm grate and manhole cover on state highways, state transportation officials said Tuesday, following a series of incidents over a four-day period beginning last Friday involving loose grates and manhole covers.

On Friday, one man was seriously injured when a 250-pound storm grate flew into the air and smashed through his windshield as he drove on Rte. 128.

Days later, a Logan Express bus was damaged during the Monday-morning commute on I-93 when a loose manhole cover became lodged in the vehicle's wheel well.

Only hours after that incident, and only yards away, two cars were damaged when they hit an open manhole, causing one to spin out, while the second had two blown tires.
Prompted by the series of incidents, Massachusetts Highway Department spokesman

John Lamontagne said the agency is inspecting grates and manholes statewide.

``We began an inspection program in the wake of Friday's incident,'' Lamontagne said Tuesday. ``(We are) starting with construction zones on highways, and we are now expanding that to the catch basins and manholes throughout the state.

``That process includes looking at covers that are both within and outside of the driving lanes. In case they aren't secure, we're taking steps to make sure they are, either through welding or other measures.''

The agency has even set up a hotline for drivers to call if they see storm grates or manhole covers which appear loose.

Though all three incidents occurred on roads overseen by MassHighway, officials from the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority said they plan to conduct similar inspections.

``We haven't had this issue, we don't have any reason to be alarmed, but based on what has happened on other roads, we want to make sure we exhibit the appropriate due diligence.''

Though manhole covers can sometimes be dislodged when heavy rains cause stormwater to build up in drainage systems, MassHighway is also investigating exactly how the storm grate was flung into the air before it crashed through Pawel Swierczynski's windshield, leaving him in critical condition.

``We're not sure how that happened,'' Lamontagne admitted.

``Manhole covers becoming dislodged ... it happens from time to time,'' he said. ``Everyone's senses are heightened right now in the wake of the catch basin issue which happened on Friday. (That) was something that was very rare.

``But we want to be extra cautious and ensure our roads are safe and drainage structures are secure, and hence we're in the middle of this program.''

Anyone with concerns about storm grates or manhole covers are encouraged to call MassHighway at #321 on their cell phones or at 888-359-9595.

Peter Reuell of The MetroWest Daily News (Framingham, Mass.) can be reached at 508-626-4428, or at preuell@cnc.com.